PSG hoping Newcastle visit can spark another run to Champions League glory

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stated on Tuesday that he would be fine with a loss against Newcastle in their last league-phase game of this year's Champions League, provided it leads to another triumph in Europe's top club tournament for the second consecutive season.

Heading into Wednesday's crucial clash at the Parc des Princes, PSG sit sixth and Newcastle seventh in the 36-team league table, both on 13 points, though the current title holders edge ahead due to more goals scored.

A victory for either team secures a top-eight position, meaning straight entry into the round of 16. Yet a stalemate might push both out of that spot, hinging on other matches, as the nine teams just below are only two points away.

In that case, PSG and Newcastle would need to navigate a two-legged play-off in the coming month, similar to what PSG did last term before claiming the crown convincingly.

This tournament suits us well, which is encouraging. Naturally, we want to end up in the top eight and overcome a strong Newcastle outfit with their bold and robust approach, Luis Enrique said to the press ahead of the fixture in Paris.

Two years back, during the previous group stage format, PSG faced Newcastle, losing 4-1 at St James Park followed by a 1-1 result back in France.

We are familiar with them from prior encounters, so expect a tough challenge, Luis Enrique continued.

At this stage of the campaign, the match matters, but less so than what lies ahead, since our goal remains lifting the Champions League trophy.

I would gladly accept a loss or tie if it paves the way for Champions League success. The true knockout phase starts now, and we excel in those high-stakes games.

The manager confirmed that defender Achraf Hakimi returns to the squad for the first time since aiding Morocco to the Africa Cup of Nations final as hosts, having been absent from club action since early November.

The 18-year-old Spanish talent Dro Fernandez, who joined from Barcelona on Monday via a four-year contract for around eight million euros ($9.6m), should feature soon, potentially debuting in PSG's Ligue 1 away game at Strasbourg this Sunday.